Estimating Lead

Rising Edge Group•Newport Beach, CA

52d

About The Position

Role Reporting to the Regional Director and closely aligned with the Estimating MAnager, the Lead Estimator is a senior technical role responsible for overseeing estimating efforts within a specific division of the company. This position performs and leads the development of complete and competitive EPC proposals, coordinates divisional estimating workflows, and supports preconstruction planning. While not a formal people manager, the Lead Estimator mentors junior and intermediate estimators, ensures estimating standards are upheld, and works closely with cross-functional teams including engineering, procurement, project controls, and construction to deliver high-quality proposals. The Lead Estimator acts as the primary estimating authority within their division and serves as a technical escalation point for complex estimates.

Requirements

Post-secondary education in Electrical Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field is preferred.
Certification as a Journeyman Electrician or Power Systems Electrician is considered an asset.
Professional designations such as P.Eng., CET, or CEP are highly regarded.
Other related supporting credentials such as scheduling, cost engineering, agile practises would be considered assets.
Minimum of 3-7 years of experience in electrical estimating, ideally in the electric utility or EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) sectors.
Must have proven experience with renewables, distribution, and substation projects, including exposure to complex, multi-stakeholder proposals.
Proven experiencing leading proposal efforts of medium to large scale projects along with experience mentoring or guiding less experienced estimators is considered critical.
Advanced proficiency in interpreting engineering drawings, design packages, and construction specifications.
Strong knowledge of construction productivity, equipment capabilities, labor planning, and market rates.
Advanced experience with estimating software (e.g., Hard Dollar or equivalent).
Skilled in developing construction schedules using Microsoft Project and/or Primavera.
Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, digital takeoff tools (Bluebeam), and document control platforms (e.g., SharePoint).
Able to independently perform full takeoffs, pricing validations, and proposal compilation.
Strong interpersonal skills with a high level of professional judgment.
Proven ability to collaborate across departments and communicate effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Comfortable engaging directly with subcontractors, vendors, and clients during the proposal phase.
Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines.
Strong attention to detail in documentation, version control, and internal process compliance.

Responsibilities

Support the coordination of estimating activities among divisional team members to meet proposal deadlines and client requirements.
Review and validate divisional estimates, identifying risks, scope gaps, and opportunities for value engineering through preliminary review stages.
Act as technical lead for pricing strategy, methodology, and commercial alignment within the division in alignment with the Preconstruction Management direction.
Act as a representative for the core values of Rising Edge.
Provide day-to-day technical guidance and coaching to junior and intermediate estimators within the division.
Review and support improvement of divisional estimating tools, templates, and standard practices.
Participate in onboarding and training support for new estimating staff.
Independently evaluate RFP packages to determine project scope, commercial requirements, risk, and constructability.
Prepare detailed, multi-discipline EPC cost estimates for renewable, distribution, substation, generation, and industrial electrical projects.
Collaborate with preconstruction team members and supporting cross-functional stakeholders to develop scope, pricing, execution plans, and schedules.
Lead the development of full proposal packages, including: Execution plans Cost breakdowns and assumptions Project schedules using MS Project or Primavera Risk registers and mitigation strategies Optional pricing and alternate methodologies Environmental, Safety, Quality, and ITP Plans Executive summaries
Coordinate and conduct site visits to inform constructability reviews and field-level data gathering.
Review technical documents (e.g., drawings, DBMs, specs) and identify scope gaps or conflicts.
Engage and communicate with subcontractors, vendors, and consultants to secure and validate pricing inputs.
Maintain a record of all estimate basis throughout the development of a proposal.
Lead internal estimate reviews and provide detailed justifications and breakdowns to internal stakeholders.
Conduct final bid submission reviews with the appropriate internal signing authorities.
Participate in strategy development for complex proposals, including alternative methods, value engineering options, and cost-saving opportunities.
Provide peer reviews and support quality control of estimates prepared by others.
Assist in the continuous improvement of estimating tools, templates, and standard practices.
Informally mentor junior estimating staff through task collaboration and technical feedback.
Conduct formal estimate hand-off meetings with the Project Management team after contract award.
Assist with the preparation and submission of change orders and scope adjustments.
Participate in project close-out and post-mortem reviews to support continuous improvement.
Attend regular estimating team meetings to share updates, challenges, and lessons learned.
Support the use of CRM systems to track proposal status, client interactions, and business development metrics, ensuring accurate and timely data entry.
Submit accurate and timely administrative documentation, including daily timesheets.
Contribute to the maintenance of historical cost data and continuous improvement initiatives within the estimating team.